LETTERS

Published
4:00 am PST, Sunday, March 14, 2004

Raves for 500 Jackson

The restaurant 500 Jackson is to be celebrated - it is open and inviting. It's seafood beautifully done in a "wow" of a space at the gateway to one of the most unique historic districts in town. This is a restaurant for everyone. I felt at home at 500 Jackson even in my jeans with mud on my boots because all around me the tables and barstools were filled with lively patrons who could only be drawn from this extraordinary city. I suspect the reason the reviewer "simply yawned" is because of the crowd and mind-set he travels with.

JANN EYRICH

Santa Rosa

Michael Bauer
's review of 500 Jackson is totally opposite of the six experiences I have had there. The food is wonderful. The overall impression we had the first time we dined at 500 Jackson, from the table appointments, quality of food, to the service: This is the best deal in town.

We had a 60th birthday dinner there, and four of the people who had not been before declared it their favorite restaurant, including my 11-year-old niece, who had no trouble cracking a crab. She loved the bib the attentive waiter gave her. She wants to go there for her birthday.

When a friend from Los Angeles wanted to celebrate his 50th birthday, a group of 26 of us dined in the private dining room, and the service and food were superb.

With a poor review, this new restaurant might not flourish. I hope anyone who reads this will try 500 Jackson and have the same great experience I've had so many times. There's not been one thing I would change about this restaurant.

TERESA RUTER

As Gandhi said, the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way it treats its animals.

The number of ways that we humans neglect and inflict suffering on animals is immense beyond measure. To stand up for those that can't speak for themselves can be called being an "animal rights activist" but I prefer to just consider it being human, being aware, being compassionate.

There are dozens of groups like the IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) that never get covered and are out there rescuing animals in ways that any human would applaud.

Anyone who has compassion for animals needs to stand up for them. One certainly does not have to become vegan to make a difference. If you want to speak out about factory farming while wearing a fur coat or eat a burger while volunteering at an animal shelter, so be it. It's giving a voice where one is so desperately needed, especially in these times.